What's eating my martagon lily?

Martagon Lily is susceptible to lily beetle, which can strip foliage quickly during summer. Aphids cluster on stems and transmit viruses. Slugs attack new basal growth in spring. Deer may browse plants in open gardens, though martagon lilies are more tolerant of shade and woodland settings that deer visit less frequently than open borders.

Red adults and larva consume leaves and stems; larvae hide under a coating of black slime (own excrement); plants can be stripped bare Hand-pick adults and larvae daily from April; destroy egg batches on leaf undersides; pyrethrin or neem spray for heavy infestations; check soil in autumn for overwintering adults

Infestations on stem tips and buds cause curling and yellowing; viruses transmitted can persist in bulbs season to season Water jet to dislodge colonies; insecticidal soap spray; remove any plants displaying mosaic or streak virus symptoms promptly

Emerging basal leaves and young stems eaten at soil level particularly in cool, moist spring conditions Iron phosphate pellets around crowns in spring; improve soil drainage; use a grit mulch to make surface less hospitable for slugs

Stems and foliage browsed, particularly when plants grow at woodland edges or in open borders accessible to deer Erect wire cages or individual guards around plants; apply commercial deer repellent and reapply after rain; plant in enclosed or walled areas where possible